We are looking for a Freelance Workshop Leader
Drunken Chorus are seeking an experienced Workshop Leader / Director to take on the role of lead tutor for a series of weekly workshops in Croydon on Monday evenings (5-7pm), alongside an assistant tutor and a volunteer peer support tutor.
Deadline: 12 midday, Tuesday 25th January 2022
Freelance Workshop Leader / Director (Theatre)
Drunken Chorus is a registered charity and theatre company, established in 2007. We run creative programmes for learning disabled and autistic adults and young people (DISCO DISCO); produce inclusive and accessible public events, including our flagship festival A Bit Of A Do; support artists and companies who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, visually impaired and/or disabled; create and tour accessible performances to local audiences; and support emerging artists to create new work.
We run a participatory group called DISCO DISCO – a company of 10 learning disabled and autistic adults, who create contemporary performances for public audiences at events and festivals in Croydon and across London.
We are now seeking an experienced Workshop Leader / Director to take on the role of lead tutor for this series of weekly workshops in Croydon on Monday evenings (5-7pm), alongside an assistant tutor and a volunteer peer support tutor.
This is a fixed term role of 23 sessions between March 2022 and December 2022, with the potential for this to be extended. There is also a possibility for this role to develop into a more integral member of the Drunken Chorus team as a Participation Manager, as we introduce additional workshop groups later in 2022. As such, we are looking for a candidate who is excited to work with us and for their role to grow with the organisation.
We are looking for an experienced Workshop Leader and Tutor, who also has experience making theatre or dance. Applicants must have a minimum of one year’s experience working with vulnerable adults, people with learning disabilities and/or autism, and/or those who are at risk from exclusion in society and / or from developing mental health problems. Applicants should also have a proven track record of making theatre or dance for public audiences.
Session Information
Times
Mondays: 5-7pm
Dates
Trial session (paid): February 2022
Spring Term (handover sessions): 14, 21 & 28 March 2022
Summer: April – July 2022
Autumn: September - December 2022
Location
TBC, Croydon
Job Description
Main duties:
To plan and deliver weekly drama workshops for adults with learning disabilities, supporting participants in developing confidence, resilience, communication and social skills.
To work with the group to create public performances, and/or work sharings, each term
To liaise with the Artistic Directors of Drunken Chorus on workshop content, term plans, and plans for performances, events and work sharings
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants and provide additional support to individuals if required
To establish a supportive and creative environment for participants and staff
Liaise with Drunken Chorus Artistic Directors to ensure that all sessions are fully accessible, and cater to all additional needs
To support with evaluation and tracking of participants' progress
To attend external performance events to support the group, as arranged and agreed with Drunken Chorus Artistic Directors.
Person Specification
Essential:
At least one years’ experience as a workshop leader / tutor working with learning disabled and/or autistic adults
At least one years’ experience making contemporary or experimental theatre or dance for a professional audience
The ability to create an inclusive and supportive environment
Warm and friendly approach to a wide range of people
Reliable and punctual
Strong interpersonal skills
Excellent communication skills
Desirable:
Knowledge of mental health and arts as therapy
Experience of working with young people from vulnerable groups
A recent DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate
A strong network of contacts within the arts sector
Experience managing others
Terms and Conditions
Fee: £90 per session with 10 sessions per term (£900 per term)
Contract: Freelance. The candidate must be registered as self-employed and will be responsible for their own tax. The fee must cover preparation time and travel etc. Fees and expenses for any additional meetings and events will be paid in addition and by agreement with company directors.
Payment: Fees will be paid within 30 days of receipt of invoices (either 2 payments per term, or one payment at the end of each term - to be agreed with company directors).
Start Date: Candidates must be available for a trial session on 7, 21 or 28 February, and the successful candidate will start on Monday 14 March 2022
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for the post, send a CV and cover letter or no more than 2 pages outlining your relevant experience as both a workshop leader and a performance maker, why you are interested in the role, and what skills and attributes you would bring to the organisation. Please send your application by email to: sheena@drunkenchorus.co.uk
Closing date: Midday on 25 January 2022. Late applications will not be accepted.
Drunken Chorus and DISCO DISCO are currently supported by Didymus, City Bridge Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, David Solomon Charitable Trust, The Rix-Thompson-Rothenberg Foundation, The Ironmongers’ Charity, The Clothworkers’ Foundation and The Schroder Charity Trust.
